Pollinia are specialized structures found in certain flowering plants, particularly in the family Orchidaceae. They consist of a mass of pollen grains that are tightly packed together, allowing for efficient transfer during pollination. When an insect visits a flower, the pollinia can attach to the insect's body, facilitating the movement of pollen from one flower to another. This adaptation helps ensure cross-pollination, which is crucial for genetic diversity in plants. Pollinia are often connected to a stalk called a stipe, which aids in their attachment to pollinators. This unique mechanism is a key feature of many orchids and contributes to their reproductive success.